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TIE Card in Spain: Fingerprint Appointment, Forms and Support
Once your Spanish residence permit is approved, you need the plastic TIE residence card. We book the fingerprint appointment, prepare the forms and fees and go with you to the police station, for the whole family at once.
The TIE card in Spain (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) proves your status as a resident. It shows your NIE number, the type of permit and its validity. The approval letter on its own does little in everyday life: banks, employers and border officers look at the card. As a rule, you must apply for it within a month of entering Spain or of your permit being approved.
The hardest part is the fingerprint appointment (toma de huellas) at the police station. In popular cities, free slots are gone within minutes. We take care of the booking, fill in the EX-17 form, pay the fee and come with you. Usually about 30 days pass from fingerprinting to the card being issued.
You need to attend in person for fingerprinting and to collect the card.
Who it is for
- People whose digital nomad, student or other residence permit has been approved
- Those who entered Spain on a national visa and must get the card
- Families: we book cards for all family members in one appointment where possible
- Residents renewing or changing status who receive a new card
Requirements
- An approved residence permit or a national visa that requires a card
- Passport
- A recent photo that meets Spanish requirements
- The EX-17 form and proof of fee payment
- Filing, as a rule, within a month of entry or approval
- Attending in person for fingerprints and to collect the card
What we do
- Track available slots and book your fingerprint appointment
- Fill in the EX-17 form for each family member
- Prepare the payment forms and pay the fee
- Check the full set of documents before the visit
- Go with you to the police station for fingerprinting
- Tell you when and how to collect the finished card
Key documents
- Passport and a copy
- Residence permit approval or visa
- Passport-style photo
- EX-17 form
- Fee payment receipt
- Padrón certificate, if your police office asks for it
How it works
- Checkwe review your permit decision and the deadline for applying for the card
- Bookingwe book a fingerprint appointment at the right police office
- Documentswe fill in the forms, pay the fee and check your photo
- Fingerprintswe go with you to the appointment where fingerprints are taken
- Collectionusually about 30 days later the card is ready, and you collect it in person
Timeline
About 30 days from fingerprinting to the card being issued; getting an appointment can take extra time in large cities.
Timelines are approximate: government agencies, consulates and banks set them.
What to watch out for
- Missing the deadline for the card application can cause problems with your status
- Without a TIE card, leaving Spain and coming back can get complicated
- Fingerprint appointments in large cities can be hard to get, which can push back the timeline
- Mistakes in the form or fee receipt mean a second visit
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our service fee is from $600 per family. Government fees, translations, insurance and other mandatory costs are paid separately; we send the full estimate before you sign.
How do I get a TIE card in Spain after my permit is approved?
Book a fingerprint appointment with the police, fill in the EX-17 form, pay the fee and attend with your passport, photo and permit decision. About a month later the card is ready, and you collect it in person. We go through all of this with you.
How long does it take to get a TIE card?
Usually about 30 days from fingerprinting to issue. But first you need an appointment, and in some cities that takes time. That is why we start looking for a slot right after your permit is approved.
When do I have to apply for the TIE?
As a rule, within a month of entering Spain on a national visa, or of your permit being approved if you applied from inside the country. If the deadline is close, contact us and we will tell you what to do.
Can the whole family get TIE cards at once?
We try to book all family members for the same time at the same police office. Forms and fees are prepared for each person. Whether you get one shared appointment depends on how busy that office is.
Can I leave Spain without a TIE card?
It is risky. Until the card is ready, leaving and returning can raise questions at the border. If the trip cannot wait, we will discuss which documents to take with you and what options exist in your situation.
Do you guarantee the result?
No. Decisions are made by government agencies, consulates and banks. We are responsible for preparing and checking documents, filing and support, and we tell you about the risks upfront.
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We will check whether the program fits your citizenship, income and family, and send an estimate with the full list of costs.
